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Magic and Missing Sandals

We’re accustomed to hearing sad stories about our world: terrorist attacked, accidental deaths, car crashes, explosions, and more permeate our lives through the media.

And perhaps because of the profusion of ‘bad’ news, we forget that the world is magical, mysterious, and often humorous. I was reminded of this on a simple Sunday evening.

Tibetan Singing Bowl Concert

I’d wanted to see Mark Handler performing with singing bowls and Tibetan overtone chanting for years, but the dates and times had never quite lined up correctly, so I was excited when Red Bloom Yoga Community Center announced his  appearance.

Sortly before the appointed concert start time, I changed my clothes and walked to the yoga center.

Though they’d sold advance tickets, I hadn’t bothered to purchase one, and was hoping I’d get in the door. I was greeted as I came into the entrance hall, and was in luck. I nabbed one of the last available spots.

One of the owners gave me a quick tour, and invited me to remove my shoes before entering the performance space. I slipped my Dansko sandals off just at the door to that space, walked to an awaiting yoga mat, sat down, and entered meditation.

Mark Handler was already in the room, seated in the center of a collection of singing bowls. He chatted, rearranged, drank water, chatted, and rearranged.

The room filled and the performance commenced. The participants laid down on yoga mats, some covered with the wool blankets, and relaxed. The sound of the singing bowls permeated everything.

The music ended and slowly the audience returned to sitting positions. Some shared stories of their experience during the music.

In fact, the tones of singing bowls create an energy conducive to sleep, deep meditation, and out of body experiences. As a result, after these experiences you’re often not quite all there.

Based on my experiences, it’s not the same ‘out of control’ that you have when drunk, it’s more spacey or even “airy fairy.” Fortunately, with more exposure to the various states produced by meditation, you learn how to bring yourself into the present moment and location.

Anyway, the discussions continued, and a few people left. No doubt they needed to get home and prepare for the new work week.

I lingered as the energy in the room subsided and felt grounded and complete. Eventually though, I walked out to the entry hall and looked for my sandals.

The Missing Sandals

They were gone.

My favorite Dansko sandals were gone. Kaput. Missing in action. Disappeared.

I looked around the small entry hall a few times. Nope.

Maybe in the cubbies in the performance space? Nope.

At that point, one of the yoga center owners approached me and together, we hunted for my sandals. We didn’t find them.

Through this hunting for my missing sandals not once did I give in to the desire to rant and rave.

It would have been easy to get mad, to raise my voice, to complain, to insist that the center refund my concert entrance price or drive me home.

Instead, I laughed.

Finding Humor In Difficult Times

I knew that, in the place of clarity and compassion and love and trust engendered by the experience of the singing bowls, my sandals would return to me. I knew they would do everything they could to ensure that this was put right, and they didn’t disappoint.

They shared stories of how others had had shoes or coats taken by mistake, and how it always worked out fine. I kept laughing, as I was confident this mystery would be solved in the most gracious and mysterious way.

They quickly reached out to the people who had left the singing bowl concert before me and – sure enough – someone had walked out wearing my sandals. Unfortunately she lived an hour away from the center, so couldn’t return immediately. She agreed that we would simply exchange sandals for the time being, and return each other’s to the yoga center.

Her NAOT brand sandals fit my feet perfectly, and I wore them home. I’d always wondered how they would feel, and I did like them.

I missed my Dansko’s and their arch support, but made it home with no problem. The next day, I returned her sandals to the yoga center.

A couple of days later, they called me to say that mine had returned. So once again, I walked to the yoga center.

“Are you here for a class or for the other event?” asked the receptionist.

“I’m here for shoes,” I replied. She laughed, and knew exactly what I was talking about. I slipped my shoes into a bag, and headed home.

A Little Magic In The World

This is how the world is supposed to work: a little mischievousness, a little sadness, a little magic. Yes, I was sad (and sure, a little mad) that my sandals had disappeared. But I hold a strong belief that -most of the time- the world is friendly and that your things come back to you.

For example, in my last year of college, I went to see a band play at a party on a bitter cold winter’s night. I dropped my coat on a pile of other coats and danced the winter’s night away.

When it was time to go home, the coat was gone. I dashed home, shivering all the way.  The next day, I learned that someone had taken all of the coats at the party. My coat, and all of the other coats, were recovered in a nearby town.

Of course, life doesn’t always work out that way. No matter how much you trust in the universe, bad things happen.

How you respond at these times, and when the ‘simple bad’ things like missing sandals happen, say a lot about your sense of the world.

I believe in magic.

I trust in the power of love to transform fear.

I know the universe is kind, generous, and has a wicked sense of humor.

And I believe I’ll return to Red Bloom Yoga Center in the future.

And if I ever happen to meet the person who purloined my sandals, I believe I’ll have found a new friend.

Sach’a Munay Retreat Center in the Sacred Valley of Peru

I was in Peru for two weeks on a spiritual  retreat with Ashera Sefarty of Luminosity Healing Arts, Daina Puodziunas of Awakened Potentials for Women, and a small group of awesome women. Our “home base” for that time was Sach’a Munay Retreat and Yoga Center in Arin. Sach’a Munay is translated as “love in the forest.”

 

Buddha statue.

The center is nestled between two mountains and is nourished by a waterfall. The grounds are meticulously maintained with raised beds of flowering plants and a generous compost system.

A traditional wood carving.

Paths are made of stone, as are most of the raised beds and retaining walls. There’s a fire pit and sweat lodge ready for guests, too. We used the fire pit several times for roaring bonfires under the twinkling stars.

Sacred offerings and a rattle.

Every day I’d wake up with the sun, get a hot cup of tea, and sit on the couch in the main room watching clouds tickle a mountaintop in the distance.

Morning views of the mountains.

Then there was an hour and a half of yoga, meditation, and free-style dance, followed by a freshly prepared gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian breakfast of oatmeal, eggs, fresh fruit, and juice. Coca tea was always available, too.

Some days we stayed on site and gathered in the maloka – a circular building that reminded me of the yurts at Omega. The floor is wood, sides of the building glass, and there is a glass ‘insert’ into the top of the building to allow light to pour through.

We kept an alter in the maloka during the entire retreat.

This alter was at the center of our sacred circle in the maloca.

One day we hiked up the river to a secluded spot for meditation. Another day, we hiked to the waterfall; I swear it was one of the hardest climbs for me. I huffed and puffed and fought off the urge to sit down and give up.

But the views from the waterfall and the experience at the waterfall were totally worth all my internal whining.

Stone pathways and green everywhere.

Other days, we’d pile into a van and be off for an adventure. Sach’a Munay’s chief chef, Martin, had boxed lunches prepared.

And when we returned from the day trip? Dinner was ready and waiting.

Hand made objects on display in the dining room.

The bath and bedrooms were cleaned and straightened daily by two women who had several dogs ‘assisting.’ Dogs are very prevalent in Peru, and there were two or three who seemed to live at the center. There was even one resident cat that seemed to spend a lot of time lounging in the sun.

The main room of the building I stayed in.

The same ladies even took care of our laundry. The cost? Well, with an exchange rate hovering around $3 US for $1 Peru Neuvo Sole, I think the 5 soles was a deal and a half.

More views at Sach’a Munay Retreat Center

I would love to return to Sach’a Munay and stay even longer.  I might even hike up to the waterfall again.

My Peru journey was organized and facilitated by Ashera Sefarty of Luminosity Healing Arts. The retreat was co-led by Daina Puodziunas Awakened Potentials for Woman. I’m only getting started with telling you about the amazing spiritual journey to the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Tipon and Pumamarca Archeological Sites in Peru

Tipon and Pumamarca are two archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley of Peru that are far less popular – and therefore far less populated – than Machu Picchu. And if you’re heading to Peru for a ‘spiritual’ experience, I’d add these sites onto your agenda. The energy at both locations is clean and clear.

Tipon

This archaeological site was my first real ‘retreat’ experience with a group of women organized and facilitated by Ashera Sefarty at Luminosity Healing Arts. The retreat was co-led by Daina Puodziunas Awakened Potentials for Woman.

As we climbed the stairs out of the parking lot into the site, and then continued to climb along ancient stairs, I felt the altitude. Normally I walk with a certain amount of speed and urgency; I’m a little slower on stairs, but still.

It was hard. Very hard at times. So hard that I was usually one of the last ones to arrive at a destination. I wanted to sit down and pout.

I don’t know if it was 100% altitude, or because I wasn’t in amazing physical shape, or what. Chewing coca leaves gave me energy, but this body just said, “Um, nope, not gonna climb that fast. No way.”

So I let go of any expectations I had for this awesome body. I slowed down. I chanted Om Mani Padme Hum. I paused to catch my breath and enjoy the view.

I laughed with a traveling friend who also found stairs challenging. And I got where I needed to get, as you can see from the photos.

Wall formations at Tipon.
Ancient ‘baths’ said to be used for sacred bathing before rituals.
Water flows in from four directions and is crystal clear.

Tipon is an immense site.
You can walk almost everywhere at Tipon.

More About Tipon

Academics may tell you that Tipon was home to royals, and an ‘agricultural’ site. My traveling companions and I, however, saw and felt other things. We scooped water by the handfuls out to bless ourselves. We lunched high above the site. The weather turned from hot to cool, and I pulled out my lightweight winter jacket and hat. We finished our visit to Tipon with a despacho: a formal way to send prayers to Pachamama and the Apus (earth and mountains.) We also received the first of two Munay Ki rites.

  • The Spanish language Wikipedia entry
  • Also in Spanish this website has many pictures.
  • From Cusco Online, more information about the archaeological park of Tipon.
  • Don’t miss this professional video on Vimeo; can’t for the life of me make this video appear here.
  • Here’s another, older video of Tipon:

Pumamarca

Also spelled Pumamarka, this archeological ‘park’ is at the opposite end of the Sacred Valley from Tipon, a short van ride from Ollataytambo, and just as deserted.  Here is another professionally shot video. Never mind the professional cyclists: look at those views!

The only other people we saw were some boys playing soccer.  I don’t have pictures to share because I didn’t take my camera; suffice to say, another mountain top and a feeling of deep connection.

Others in the group did have cameras, and someone took this wonderful shot of me, standing on the mountain, arms flung wide to accept and embrace the energy. Thank you, sisters!

Me, standing on a mountain at Pumamarca in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Machu Picchu – Starting At The End of My Spiritual Journey to Peru

Sometimes the one thing you think will be the best is actually the worst. I had high hopes for Machu Picchu – no pun intended.

I was hoping to have a peak spiritual or energetic connection to…well, to whatever is there. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is built between two mountain peaks and was home to the Incan empire.

And there’s not much official talk about the spiritual side of the site, other than the fact that the sun touches the Inti Watana stone at key times through the year.

Energetically Disappointing

Energetically speaking, Machu Picchu let me down. The sacred site was covered with bucket-listers, tour groups, teenagers, and frankly, the soul of place was hiding. After two or three hours I was ready to leave.

Yes, the views were spectacular. Machu Picchu is everything you’ve heard about and more, and it is well managed and maintained.

But if you’re hoping to find a connection to the ancient power lines, there are other, less visited archaeological sites where you can feel the call of the Inca, and of the ancients who lived in Peru in the before time. For example, we visited Tipon and Pumamarca and both and beautiful energy.

By all means, don’t take Machu Picchu off of your bucket list. I’ve heard stories of times when it’s not as crowded and you can feel the energy.

I mostly walked around and admired the views.

Machu Picchu

Stairs at Machu Picchu are steep and uneven.

The views at Machu Picchu are spectacular.
An iconic view.
The weather was stunning: clear blue skies and in the 70s.
Ancient stonework.
Steep terraces. The orange areas are being restored or repaired.
You’re not allowed to go past roped off areas.
Machu Picchu was also swarming with tourists.
And yet, I managed to find a few quiet moments.
Llamas and alpacas graze freely. Tourists are not allowed to feed or touch them.
This gives you an idea of just how far up you are from the river at Agua Calientes.

Agua Calientes

Although the energy at Machu Picchu was disappointing, I enjoyed the tiny tourist town of Agua Calientes (also known as MachuPicchu.) People heading to Machu Picchu blow into town on the train, sleep in a hotel, do Machu Picchu the next day, and leave.

A traveling companion and I had a blast walking around, admiring the scenery, and buying almost everything at the market near the train station. This was definitely the best and largest market for buying tourist apparel I visited; a close second is the market in Pisac. Look for the local food market or take a dip in the hot springs that give the town its name.

A local train goes right down the main street of Agua Calientes.
A chicken admires the roaring river in Agua Calientes.
A magnificent statue in Agua Calientes.

Rupa Wasi Eco Lodge

I can’t say enough about the hospitality of the Rupa Wasi Eco Lodge and The Tree House Restaurant. Definitely worth walking and down 60 steps!

My trip to Machu Picchu was an add-on to the Women’s Retreat organized by Ashera Sefarty at Luminosity Healing Arts. I’m sure it took a great deal of effort to get set up: two hotels, two trains, entrance to Machu Picchu, and bus ride to Machu Picchu. The retreat was co-organized by Daina Puodziunas Awakened Potentials for Woman.

Spiritual Travel to the Sacred Valley of Peru

Thinking of traveling to the Sacred Valley in Peru? Definitely look at your options and make smart decisions.

Ashera Seferty and Luminosity Healing Arts

During my trip, I spent 13 glorious days in the Sacred Valley with a small group of women for a retreat called “Awakening The Divine Feminine and the Heart of Pachamama.”

Organized by Ashera Seferty of Luminosity Healing Arts,  the journey was carried out with the utmost integrity. I would return to Peru for any event Ashera organizes.

Peru is one of those locations that’s been on my invisible bucket list for years. It’s an ‘invisible’ bucket list because I think I’ll never, ever be able to travel to any of these places.

And then Daina Puuodziunas, whom I’d met years ago during a sweat lodge, announced that she was co-leading a trip to Peru.

Who is Leading The Spiritual Travel?

To me, when you’re considering travel for spiritual purposes (which for me is meditation, experiencing the energy of the place, and camaraderie of like-minded companions) you need to be super careful about WHO is leading the tour and HOW the tour will be conducted.

Having worked at The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies for a couple of years, and having a whole ton of meditation experience, I can confidently say there’s a wild world out there of so-called spiritual travel, and it’s not all Eat, Love, Pray.

For example, while in Peru, a traveling companion talked with a woman who had come to the country to experience ayahuasca. She’d spent a great deal of money to go to the jungle, sit with a purported teacher, and take several doses of ayahuasca over the course of a couple of days.

There was little or no spiritual guidance offered. Needless to say, the woman had a miserable time.

Not that I have anything against you heading to the jungle to take ayahuasca. Just be really careful about the integrity of the trip. Always, always trust your gut feelings and intuition. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And you probably know it, too.

Trust Your Instincts

After a brief conversation with Daina, I had complete confidence in the abilities of Ashera Sefarty to maintain integrity and authenticity throughout this spiritual retreat in the Sacred Valley of Peru. I was not disappointed, and whole heartily recommend anything either of these two powerful women offer.

  • Ashera Seferty owns Luminosity Healing Arts. She is an accomplished yoga teacher, ayurvedic & energy worker. She is a full mesa carrier in the Peruvian Q’ero tradition and works directly with local indigenous healers and shamans. She lives in Peru, and travels frequently throughout the US and Canada.
  • Daina Puodziunas owns Awakened Potentials for Women. An accomplished ceremonialist and inner wisdom coach, Daina lives and works in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area

About My Journey

The following posts talk about the various activities during my 13-day stay in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

  • Sach’a Munay Retreat Center
  • The Q’ero, Despachos, and Munay Ki Rites
  • Tipon and Pumamarca Archeological Sites
  • Machu Picchu and the town of Agua Calientes
  • The Sacred Waterfall

Have you ever taken a spiritual journey to another country?

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Random Quote

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

— Frank Herbert

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